Meet Coalson Brown | Ranch Manager & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Coalson Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coalson, what’s your definition for success?
“Constraints inspire your creativity”. In western lifestyle Photography/Agriculture based photography your surroundings, subjects, and lighting are all constantly changing. So to me, Success in that field is rolling with the cowboys. When photographing a working cowboy you cannot ask them to hold their position, because they’re doing a job and you don’t want to get in the way just for a shot. That’s how you end up in the dirt literally. Instead, hang back for a moment and analyze their routine so the next time they bring that calf through you know where to be for a quick and successful shot.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Grandpa ranched for 50 years, he ranched sheep and Angora goats. I am currently a Ranch manager at the Agrilife Research Ranch south of Sonora, TX. So I have been in this world all my life, which is what inspired most of my photography. I have been raised by and worked along side the type of people I photograph and the work that is being done in my photos. So what sets me apart, I think, is I know from first hand what truly captures cowboys/farmers/blue collar men & women. That’s one reason I picked up a camera one day. I wanted to share what I see, when I’m in the working pens. I wanted to capture the life and work of professionals like my Grandfather.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, how about a real story of just that? Had a friend from Alberta, Canada come and visit for a week. She is an amazing western artist herself so she comes from the same background as me. I live in Southwest Texas so we are pretty far from any big city and it take an hour to get anywhere. I took her to Post, Texas and we photographed a college roommate of mine and his family branding calves. Then we went across the Devils River and to Comstock and then on to the Pecos High bridge. We photographed shearing Angora goats the next day. Then one day we just went for a drive. ended up in Marathon, TX and had some brews at the white buffalo. Photographed thunder heads coming across the mountains of West Texas. Last day we went to my hometown of Del Rio on the border of Mexico and ate at a restaurant where we had to order in Spanish. Quite the eye opener for a girl from north of the other border

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wouldn’t be where I am without my parents constantly behind me on whatever I decide to do with my Photography. My Grandma Bobo for always making my gallery showings. My sister, brother Inlaw, and nephew for always being patient subjects when I have new and creative shoot ideas. Numerous friends and family who have supported me along the way.

Website: Slickrockphoto.com

Instagram: slickrockphotography

Facebook: Slick Rock Photography

Image Credits
Bryce & Brett North Libby Humeniuk Hadley Hunting Angel (welding)